Automatic switch control



Dec. 31, 1935. s, s. STOLP' ET AL 2,026,071

AUTOMATIC SWI TCH CONTROL 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed June 29 1952 INVENTOR;

SAMUEL. 5. STOLP FQANK H. Q\CHTE.QKE.SS\NG A TTORNEY.

1935- s. s. STOLP El AL AUTOMATIC SWITCH CONTROL Filed June 29, 1952 5 Sheefs-Sheet 2 KLA- INVENTOR; s1 SAMUEL. 5. En-01p FQ NK H. D1cHTEQKE5sme Fig. 6.

ATTORNEY.

Patented Dec. 31, 1935 2,026,071

UNITE STATES PATENT OFFEE AUTOMATIC SWITCH CONTROL Samuel S. Stolp and Frank H. Richterkessing,

Louisville, Ky.

Application June 29, 1932, Serial No. 619,820

25 Claims. (Cl. 246227) This invention relates to control for electrirelays X and Y will render the operation of the cally operated track switches automatically various circuit modifications more apparent. operated from a railway car. With reference to Fig. 3, it Will be noted that One object of this invention is to produce a relay Y, which is employed to control the oursystem which will operate power on or power rent flowing to the switch operating solenoids, 5 oil, the system as hereinafter described. is a departure from the conventional form of This invention more specifically relates to relay, and approaches a distinct form of elecimprovements in circuits and associated apparatrically controlled apparatus. The relay Y is tus, and is further directed to a control in which provided with a magnet frame FI and a magnet solenoids, contactors and circuits are grouped to core C6, secured thereto. Operating coils PC 10 produce the following objects; and H are disposed about the magnet core C6. First, to increase the life of the apparatus; In one leg of the magnet frame Fl, a bearing Second, to increase the speed of operation; pin B is secured. Pivotally mounted on hearing Third, to introduce a definite time element in pin B, are armatures Y! and Y2. It will be noted the switch operating circuit which will permit that armature Y! is arranged in comparatively 15 current to flow in the circuit for a predetermined close proximity to core C6 and is further mate'- time, and; rially reduced in proportion over its associate Fourth, to incorporate a positive means for armature Y2. It will be apparent to those skilled retaining the initial selection of the switch opein the art that such an arrangement of armarating circuit as long as the current flows in this tures will cause armature YI to be affected an 20 circuit, appreciable time in advance of armature Y2- These objects are attained by the apparatus when current fiows through the operating coils illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in of the relay. Hereinafter the armature Yi will which be referred to as the small armature, while the Figure 1 is a schematic drawing illustrating associate armature Y2 will be referred to as 25 the conventional circuits encountered on a railhe la arma u Small armature Y! is p way car, vided with a contact 3A and is arranged to regis- Fig, 2 illustrates one form of the circuit contel with contact post 3. It Will be noted that nections of the system for accomplishing the contact po t 3 a d bearing p 34 are nresults heretofore mentioned. p d On a co n memb and therefore 30 Fig. 3 is a section of the control panel showp manenfly electrically e d- Large ing the general arrangement and construction of armature Y2 is 1101? provided W t e conventhe relays employed in th syst tional form of electrical contacts. However,

6 Fig. 4 is a section of relay Y taken through Contact arm which is pivotally unt d on 05 th nt r li A, A. bearing pin BI, is disposed in the line of travel 35 Fig 5 is an elevatign of the holding means Of armature Y2 such, that armature Y2 will for relay X as viewed along center line B, B. mechamcany engage the Contact m CA a Fig. 6 is a modification of Fig. 5 in which the determmed tlme it has 9 placed in disposition of the associate coils are changed, i The dotted lmes 'Y and will be dealt with more specifically herein- Y Illustrate operated posmon 1' 40 ture Y2, and 1t W111 be apparent, that in this g? 7 illustrates a Sim lified embodiment f position the contact arm CA will be forcibly this Operating systgm o driven out of contact engagement. Projecting Fig 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of member Y4 of armature Y2 1S u-tlhze-d to engage 1 contact arm CA very close to its pivotal oint 45 the cncmts and assoc/late apparatu of thls in the final operated position, for holding cony tact arm CA positively out of contact engage- 1 Throughouit thedvarlilous liguref1 and glrawings, nieiitDAfrmature Y2 is rlroigided driving 1K9 numeras an o arac ers ave een emp a, e or engaging con ac arm screw D yed to designa identical Pa in Order to S5 of contact arm CA is a terminal connection 50 convey the similarity of the several modificafor asfiexible cgnnector placed between contact ions. post and con act arm CA so that no current In preparing the detailed description of this will flow through bearing pin Bl. Armature invention, it is believed that a description deal- CA is provided with 9, ont t mb 2 ing first with the construction and functions of ranged to normally register with stationary con- 55 tact I. Stationary contact I is mounted in contact post IP which is secured in the insulating panel BA of the device. Armatures YI and Y2 are provided with contact stops 2P and 3P respectively. These stops are adjustable to several positions, and are provided with dowel pins to register with the small holes shown at the contact posts.

Relay X of Fig. 3 is employed to direct operating current of the device, to one or other of the switch operating solenoids. This relay is 'provided with the conventional form of relay contacts modified in such a manner so as to produce features not ordinarily found in conventional forms of relay equipment. Relay X is provided with a magnet frame F2 and a magnet core C1 secured thereto. Disposed about the core 01 is operating coil KL, the specific construction of which will be dealt with more specifically hereinafter. Bearing pin B3 ofrelay X is secured in magnet frame F2. Pivotally mounted on bearing pin B3 is armature KLA. Armature KLA is provided with a weight WI slidably mounted on rod RI. Weight WI is utilized to control the current pickup of relay X, that is, when the weight is close to the pivotal point of the armature, a lesser current will be required through operating coil KL to affect the armature KLA, while, when the weight is extended to a position as illustrated, a greater current will be required through the operating coil KL to affect the armature KLA. Since a comparatively heavy current flows through the armature KLA a flexible conector S4 is provided between the magnet frame F2 and armature KLA for directing the current flow out of the path of the bearing pin B3.

The contacts of armature KLA, which can be more clearly seen by referring to Fig. 5, perform a dual function, that is, in addition to providing a low resistance electrical contact, they include magnetic qualities for completing a magnetic circuit. These contacts are arranged to register with contacts 4, 4A, and 5, 5A which likewise possess these same qualities.

With further reference to Fig. 5 it will be noted that magnet coils SI and S2 are associated with contacts 4 and 5. Operating coil SI associated with back contact 4 is disposed about a magnetic core. Adjacent the insulating panel BA, magnetic head J is located, while at the other end of the magnet coil a non-magnetic head J I is located. Extending between the heads J I and J is a magnetic shell V. It is apparent that the core extends through each of the heads J and J I. One end of the core issecured in the magnetic contact holder N while the other end of the core extends through the insulated panel BA for rigidly supporting the contact assembly tothe panel. From the latter it will be apparent that when the contacts of armature KLA engage contacts 4, 4A, a completely closed magnetic circuit will be established. It will be further obvious, that when current flows through the magnet coil SI, the contacts 4, 4A will not only carry current, but will act to complete the magnetic circuit established by the magnet coil SI.

In Fig. 6 a modified form of a magnetic contact is illustrated. It will be apparent by referring to Fig. 6 that armature KLA in engaging contact post 4, will not completely close a magnetic circuit. However, the armature KLA in engaging the magnetic contact post '2 will complete the usual electrical circuit and as soon as current flows through the magnet coil SI,

contact post 4 will become a pole of the magnet SI, thereby magnetically holding armature KLA through magnetic leakage.

While the form illustrated in Fig. 6 has been extensively employed, it has not been found to be as effective as the form illustrated in Fig. 5.

With reference to Fig. 1, it will be noted that the circuits ordinarily associated With a railway car are illustrated by conventional symbols. The character T represents a trolley wire or overhead current conductor; character W designates a current collector of a railway car supported on the car by means of a trolley pole PI. Within the car are located heater circuits HI, lights L and air compressor F. These circuits while using current comparatively low in magnitude, play a prominent part in the operation of the invention, and will be referred to hereinafter as auxiliary currents. Character M designates the propulsion motors of the vehicle, while characters CO designate a controller for controlling the current flowing in the motor circuits. It is obvious to those skilled in the art that the currents flowing through the motor circuits, are comparatively large, and since these likewise play a prominent part in the operation of our invention, will be hereinafter referred to as car currents.

When the controller CO is in the off position no current will flow through the motors M of the car and this position will hereinafter be referred to as the power off position. When the controller CO is in the on position, a very heavy current will flow through the motors M, and this hereinafter will be referred to as the power on position.

Fig. 2 illustrates one embodiment of our invention, and relays X and Y heretofore described in detail are illustrated by conventional symbols. However, similar parts appearing in Figs. 3, l, 5 and 6 are designated by identical numerals and characters. It is believed that a further detailed discussion of the parts and apparatus associated with Fig. 2 is not required, and that these parts can be more clearly discussed as the description of Fig. 2 continues.

Normally the circuits shown in Fig. 2 are open, that is, no current flows from the trolley conductor T to the ground G. When the current collector W engages the trolley contactor P it will first engage the contact member E, running out of contact engagement with the trolley con ductor T. It will be obvious that the circuits of the car will be no longer directly completed from the trolley conductor T, but will be completed through the operating coil KL of relay X. This circuit being established from the trolley conductor T, through wire TI, wire T2, operating coil KL of relay X, wire EI, contact member E of trolley contactor P, through the current collector W, trolley pole P, through the circuits of the car to the ground G. If, during the interval, the current collector W engages only the contact member E of trolley contactor P, the controller C0 is in the off position, only the auxiliary currents will flow through the operating coil KL of relay X. This current will not effect an energization of the operating coil KL of relay X sufiicient to affect its armature KLA. The operating coil KL has a very low resistance, generally consisting of six or eight turns of #6 copper wire, therefore the current which must fiow through this operating coil to affect armature KLA is always greater than the auxiliary currents of the car, and must be greater than the current required to operate the relays employed in the system. This current is always equivalent to l or 2 points power, i, e., one of two stages, stops or notches on the car controller, as may be used by the car operator. Therefore, it is obvious that if the car controller CO were closed, during the interval the current collector engaged only the contact member E of trolley contactor P, the heavy car currents would flow through the operating coil KL thereby sufficiently energizing the operating coil KL so as to affect its armature KLA.

From the foregoing it will be apparent that when the current collector W engages the trolley contactor P with power off the armature KLA of relay X will not be affected, and therelay X will retain the normal selection. However, when the current collector W engages the trolley contactor P with power on, the armature KLA of relay X will be affected, thereby selecting and retaining its other operating position. Hereinafter when dealing with the description of the several circuit modifications when the power on position is referred to, it'will be understood as to imply that the armature KLA has been raised from the normal contact engagement, and when the power ofif position is mentioned the armature KLA is being retained in its normal position.

When the current collector W advances, and engages the contact'member C of trolley contactor P with the controller in the power ofi position, circuits will be established for energizing the track switch solenoid TM2. As soon as the current collector engages the contact member C, a circuit will be established for operating relay Y. This circuit being completed from the trolley conductor T, through wire Ti, Wire T2, operating coil KL of relay X, wire El, contact member E of trolley contactor P, through the current collector W, contact member C of trolley contactor P, wire Cl, resistance unit R, Wire C2, high resistance operating coil PC of relay Y, wire C3, wire C4, low resistance operating coil H of relay Y, wire C5, armature KLA of relay X, back contact 4 of relay X, through the magnet coil SI, through wire 6, switch operating solenoid TM2, wire 8, wire Ill, to ground G. The current flow established in this circuit will not be sufficient to energize the switch operating solenoids. As soon, however, as this circuit is completed the operating coil PC will be sufficiently energized to affect the small armature YI of relay Y. When the small armature Y! engages its front contact 3, a circuit will be established for energizing the track solenoid TM2. This circuit being completed from the current conductor T, through wire Tl, Wire T3, fuse FU, contact I, contact 2, contact arm CA, contact 3, small armature Yl, wire Y3, wire C4, low resistance coil H, wire C5, armature KLA of relay X, back contact 4, magnet coil SI, wire 6, track switch solenoid TM2, wire 8, wire Hi to ground G. The establishment of this heavy current flow to the track switch solenoid TM2 will sufiiciently energize the operating coil H of relay Y so as to affect the large armature Y2 of relay Y, and will likewise sufiiciently energize the magnet coil SI of relay X so as to positively magnetically hold the armature KLA in engagement with contact 4. The operation of the large armature Y2, resulted in contact arm CA forcibly disengaging contacts .2 and l respectively, thereby opening the switch operating circuit. Should the current collector W continue to engage contact member C of trolley contactor P, the operating coil PC of relay Y is so proportioned that both the small armature Yl' and the large armature Y2 will remain held in their operated. positions. As soon, however, as the current collector W disengages the contact member C of trolley contactor P, the circuit of the operating coil PC will be opened thereby permitting armatures Yl and Y2, and contact arm CA to be restored to normal.

When the current collector initially engages the trolley contactor P with power on, armature KLA of relay X will be raised out of engagement with its back contact 4 and into engagement with its front contact 5. As the current collector advances and engages contact member C, relay Y will function in the same manner as described for the power Ofi position. It is believed that this operation will be obvious to'those skilled in the art, and that a further lengthy description is unnecessary.

Fig. 7 illustrates a simplified embodiment of the invention in which theoperating coil PC of relay Y and the resistor R have been proportioned so that successive operations of armture Y! and Y2 can be accomplished in the same manner as dealt with in Fig. 2. In Fig. 7 the operating coil PC is arranged to have a comparatively low resistance so that a heavy current can flow to either of the switch operating circuits previously selected. The number of turns of wire on the operating coil PC have likewise been proportioned, so that the relatively lesser current flow provided through resistance unit R will affect only armature Yl'but; be of such magnitude as to retain both armatures Yl and Y2 in their operated positions as long as the current collector W engages contact member C of trolley contactor P.

With further reference to Fig. '7, and with the current collector engaging the trolley contactor P with power 01f, the collector will complete a circuit for energizing operating coil PC to such a degree that only the armature Yl will be affected. This circuit being completed from the trolley conductor T, through wire Tl, wire T2, operating coil KL of relay -X, wire El, contact member E of trolley contactor P, through current colector W, contact member C of trolley contractor P, wire Ci, resistance unit R, wire C2, operating coil PC of relay Y, wire C5, armature KLA of relay X, backcontact 4 of relay X, magnet coil S! of relay X, wire 6, switch operating solenoid TM2, wire 8, wire ill, to ground G. This energization of the operating coil PC will affect the small armature Yl bringing it into contact engagement with its contact 3. When the armature Yl engages contact 3 a relatively greater current flow will pass through the operating coil PC for energizing the switch operating solenoid TM2. This circuit being completed from the trolley conductor T, through wire Tl, wire T3, fuse FU, contact I, contact 2, contact arm CA,

contact 3, armature Y! of relay Y, wire C3,

operating coil PC of relay Y, wire C5, armature KLA of relay X, contact 4, magnet coil SI, wire 6, switch operating solenoid TM2, wire 8, wire- I!) to ground G. The energization 'of operating coil PC with this greater current flow will cause large armature Y2 to be raised to its operated position illustrated by the dotted lines. Assoon as armature Y2 is raised to this position it will engage contact arm CA and forcibly disengage contacts 2 and I. This operation will result in opening the operating current flowing in the switch. operating circuit. As dealt with in Fig. 2, it must be remembered that as long as the comparatively greater current flows in the switch operating circuit, the magnet coils Si or S2 will be sufficiently energized to positively retain armature KLA of relay X in its previously selected position. Should the current collector W continue to engage the contact member C of trolley contactor P, after the comparatively greater current flow is removed from the switch operating circuit, both armatures YI and Y2 will be retained in their operated positions. Operating coil PC, as heretofore mentioned, is so regulated that it will have sufficient power to retain these armatures in their ope ated positions by the circuit established through the resistance unit R. As soon as the current collector disengages the contact member C, armatures Y! and Y2 will be restored to normal, thereby permitting contact arm CA to be likewise restored to normal.

When the current collector engages the contactor P initially with power on, the armature KLA of relay X will be affected and brought into engagement with its front contact 5, and when the collector advances and engages the contact member C of trolley contactor P, the relay Y and magnet coil S2 will function in the same manner as heretofore described for energizing the switch operating solenoid TMI.

Fig. 8 illustrates a preferred embodiment of this invention and even though it functions in the same manner as the systems described under Figs. 2 and 7, certain desirable features both in mechanical and electrical adjustments have been introduced. For instance, it will be noted that the preferred embodiment selects the two coil arrangement of relay Y in preference to the single coil arrangement dealt with in Fig. '7. This selection permits a greater adjustment margin between the pickup values of armature Yi and Y2, thereby a greater time range can be effected by adjusting stops 2? and SP dealt with in Fig. 3. It will likewise be noted that a heater resistor HR, has been included, and is permanently connected between the trolley conductor T and each of the switch operating solenoids 'IMl and Tit l2. The introduction of this heater resistance HR. maintains a small amount of heat in the control box, thereby eliminating condensation and relative leakage often encountered in service. Similarly since this circuit passes to ground through each of the switch operating solenoids Tlvli and TMZ, a small amount of heat is maintained in the cylinder encasing these solenoids, thereby reducing condensation therein to a small degree. It must be remembered, however, that the current flowing in this heater circuit is very small, and will not effect an energization of either of the switch operating solenoids suiiicient to operate the switch tongue 0. It will be further noted that the operating circuit of relay coil PC of relay Y, does not pass through armature KLA of relay X as in the systems discussed in Figs. 2 and 7. The introduction of this feature has been of material importance in the performance of the device, It was found under conditions encountered in service, that the small current broken by the disengagement or" armature KLA and its back contact 3 in either of the systems discussed in Figs. 2 and 7, when the armature KLA was affected at a time when the current collector W engaged the contact member C, over a period of time caused an accumulated deposit to be formed on the contacts to such an extent that the magnetic holding qualities of the con- 5 tacts were greatly impaired. The placing of the resistance unit R between the solenoid connecting wires 6 and 7, as shown in Fig. 8, likewise enables an electrical adjustment to be made wherein the energization of the operating coil 10 PC for affecting the small armature YI, is dependent upon the value of the multiple circuit formed through each of the track switch operating solenoids. This adjustment makes possible the rendering of the device completely inopera- 5 tive when either of the track solenoids or circuits of TMI and TM2 become opened. These features while not affecting the spirit of the invention have materially contributed to the perfection of a device which will respond equally well 20 under all practical conditions of service.

With further reference to Fig. 8, when the current collector W initially engages the trolley contactor P with power off, the armature KLA of relay X will not be affected. As soon, 25

however, as the current collector advances and comes into contact engagement with contact member C, a circuit will be established for the operation of small armature Yl of relay Y. This circuit being completed from the current 30 conductor T, through Wire TI, wire T2, operating coil KL of relay X, wire El, contact member E of trolley contactor P, through the current collector W, contact member C of trolley contactor P, through wire Cl, operating coil PC of 35 relay Y, wire C3, wire C6, through the branches RI and R2 of resistance unit R, and each of the track switch operating solenoids TM! and TMZ to ground G. This energization of the operating coil PC of relay Y will affect only the small 40 armature Yl of relay Y. The operation of the small armature Yl will complete a circuit for energizing the switch operating solenoid TM2. This circuit being completed from trolley conductor T, through wire Ti, fuse FU, contact 5, 45 contact 2, contact arm CA, contact 3, small armature Yl of relay Y, wire Y3, low resistance coil H of relay Y, Wire C5, armature KLA, back contact 4, magnet coil SI of relay X, wire 6, wire 6A, switch operating solenoid TM2, wire 8, wire 50 A0 to ground G. The completing of this circuit resulted in the energization of the operating coil H of relay Y for affecting large armature Y2 and likewise energizes magnet coil SI of relay X wherein armature KLA will be posi- 55 tively retained in contact engagement with its contact 4. The operating of large armature Y2 resulted in contacts 2 and I being forcibly disengaged discontinuing the current flowing to the switch operating solenoid TM2. If the cur- 60 rent collector W continues to engage the contact members C after the large armature Y2 has been operated, the continued energization of the operating coil PC is proportioned so that only the large armature is retained in its operated 5 position. Referring to Fig. 3, it will be noted that the small armature Y! in engaging contact post 3, will not engagecore C6 of relay Y. In fact, as illustrated by the dotted lines, an appreciable air gap will remain in the magnetic cir- 70 cuit of the small armature. However, the large armature Y2, in being raised to its operated position, illustrated by the dottedlines, will engage core C6 of relay Y. By selecting the proper values for operating coil PCand the air gap of the small armature Yl, the large armature Y2 in engaging core C6 will positively cause the small armature Y] to be restored to normal, by magnetically shunting the magnetic crcuit of small armature Yi. This feature has been introduced into the preferred embodiment of the invention, since it definitely assures the small armature Yl opening the switch operating circuit before the large armature can release and permit contact arm CA to reclose the switch operating circuit at contacts 2 and I. It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that this feature positively prevents the possibility of false switch operation upon disengagement of the current collector and trolley contactor, and will likewise be obvious that this feature may be introduced into the accompanying modifications or may be transferred to other switch operating systems with equal advantages. As soon as the current collector disengages the trolley contactor P large armature Y2 will be restored to normal thereby permitting the contact arm CA to be restored to its normal position.

When the current collector engages the trolley contactor P initially with power on the armature KLA of relay X will be brought into contact engagement with front contact 5, and as the collector engages the contact member C, relay Y will function in the same manner as described above for energizing switch operating solenoid 'I'Ml.

While several modifications, and discussions dealing with the relations of the various parts associated with this invention have men treated quite thoroughly in the foregoing, there are, of course, other modifications and arrangements of the parts which may be made from that shown and disclosed in the accompanying drawings and specifications which is believed will still fall within the scope of this invention.

We claim: 1. In a system of the class described, the com bination of a normally open operating circuit including an actuating solenoid, a relay adapted to selectively direct current in the said circuit through different parts of the said actuating solenoid, a second relay for controlling a flow of saturating current through either branch of the said solenoid, and a second circuit including the said second relay and solenoid, the said second relay operable to first close and then open the first said circuit upon a flow of current in the said second circuit.

2. In a system of the class described, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a relay operable to selectively direct current through different parts of the said solenoid, and a second relay for establishing a current flow to the said solenoid and arranged to automatically pick upupon a flow of current through the different parts of the said actuating solenoid.

3. In a system of the class described, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a relay operable to selectively direct current through different parts of the said solenoid, and a second relay for establishing a current flow to said solenoid, and arranged to automatically pick up upon a flow of current less than a saturating value through the said actuating solenoid.

4. In a system of the class described, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a relay operable to selectively direct current through different parts of the said solenoid, and a second relay operable to establish a current flow of a saturating value through the part of the said soleniod selected in response to a flow of current less than a saturating value through the part of the said actuating solenoid selected.

5. In a system of the class described, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a relay for selectively directing current through different parts of the said solenoid, a second relay means operable when the said second relay is energized to establish a current flow of saturat-- ing value in the said solenoid circuit, and other means directly operated by said second relay after operation to discontinue the said current fiow to the said actuating solenoid after a predetermined time. r

6. In a system of the class described, thecombination of a normally open circuit including an actuating solenoid, .a relay adapted to selectively direct current through different parts of the said solenoid, a second relay, and means directly operated by the energization of the said second relay to first close and then open the saidnormally open circuit.

7. Ina switch operating system, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a normally open operating circuit including the said solenoid, a relay for selectively directing current in the said circuit through different parts of the said solenoid, a second circuit of relatively high, resistance including the said actuating solenoid, means affected by a'current flow in the said second circuit to close the first said circuit and. means affected by a current flow in the first said circuit to discontinue the current flow in the first said circuit. Y

8. In a switch operating system, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a normally open operating circuit including the said solenoid, a relay for selectively directing current in the said circuit through different parts of the said solenoid, a second circuit of relatively high resistance including the said actuating solenoid, means aifected by a current flow in the said second circuit to close the first said circuit, and means affected by a current flow in the first said circuit to discontinue the current flow in the first said circuit, said first and second means arranged to be retained in their operated conditions by a continued current flow in the said second circuit.

9. In a switch operating system, .the combination of anactuating solenoid, a normally open circuit for conducting saturating current to the said actuating solenoid, a relay for selectively directing current in said circuit through different parts of the said actuating solenoid,a second circuit of relatively high resistance connecting the said actuating solenoid, means affected upon a flow of current in the said second circuit to first close and then open the first said circuit, and means to prevent operation of the said relay after its initial operation and while current is flowing in the first said circuit.

10. In a switch operating system, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a normally open circuit connecting the said actuating solenoid, a relay for selectively directing currents through dilferent parts of the said actuating solenoid, means operable to prevent an operation of the said relay to either of its positions as long as current flows in the said circuit.

11. In a switch operating system, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a normally open circuit connecting the actuating solenoid, a relay for selectively directing a current flow in the said circuit to different parts of the said actuating solenoid, and electrically operated means associated with the said relay operable to prevent operation from either position of the said relay as long as current flows in the said circuit.

12. In a switch operating system, the combination of an actuating solenoid, a relay equipped with an operating coil and two independently pivoted armatures, one of said armatures operable when the said operating coil is energized to establish a current flow in the said solenoid circuit and the other said armature operable after the operation of the first said armature to discontinue the said current flow in the said actuating solenoid.

13. In a switch operating system, the combination of a contact pan and trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch, control means electrically connected to the trolley wire and pan and having other circuits leading to the pan and track, switch for positioning the track switch in either of two directions when the pan is engaged by a current collector with power on or power off, a normally open switch to direct operating current to the track switch and interposed in one of the circuits leading to the control means, a normally closed switch to control the current to the track switch and interposed in a circuit connecting the said normally open switch, normally de-energized means efiective to close the said normally open switch when the collector engages the pan and to open the said normally closed switch to interrupt current to the track switch after a predetermined lapse of time after the collector has engaged the pan and regardless of whether the collector continues to engage the pan or not, and means operating automaticallyupon engagement of the current collector with the pan toy insure current to the track switch for the said predetermined time.

14. 'In a switch operating system, the combination of a contact pan and trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch, control means electrically connected to the trolley wire and pan and having other circuits leading to the pan and track switch for positioning the track switch in either of two directions when the pan is engaged by a current collector with power on or power ofi, a normally open switch to direct o erating current to the track switch and interposed in one of the circuits leading to the control means, a normally closed switch to control the current to the track switch and interposed in a circuit connecting the said normally open switch, normally de-energized means effective to close the said normally open switch when the collector engages the pan and to open the said normally closed switch to interrupt current to the track switch after a predetermined lapse of time after the collector has engaged the pan and regardless of whether the collector continues to engage the pan .or not, and means operating automatically upon engagement of the current collector with the pan to insure current to the track switch for the said predetermined time, comprising an operating coil connected in series with the said one circuit leading to the control means and arranged to retain the said normally open switch operated until the said normally closed switch is operated to interrupt the current to the track switch.

15. In a switch operating system, the combination of a contact pan having a pair of contact members to be engaged by a current collector, a trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch, a selector switch having control means connected to one contact member and the trolley wire, circuits leading from the selector switch to the track switch, a circuit leading from the selector switch connecting the other contact member and having included therein a coil, a switch controlled by the said coil and adapted to close a circuit from the trolley wire to the said circuit which includes the coil, selector switch, track switch and ground for the system, another switch controlled by the said coil and adapted to open the said circuit from the trolley wire after a predetermined time, the parts arranged to operate power on or power off to position the track switch and to prevent current flowing to the track switch after a predetermined time after the collector engages the pan and to maintain current to the track switch for said predetermined time regardless of the position of the collector after it has initially engaged the pan.

16. In a switch operating system, the combination of a pan, a trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch movable 'in different directions, an electrically operated switch to control the movement of the said track switch, circuits connecting the various parts to operate the said track switch to its proper position when the pan is engaged by a current collector with *power on or power off, one of the circuits being a path from the pan to the second said switch and having included therein a high resistance relay coil and a low resistance relay coil, means operated by the energization of the said coils to shunt said high resistance coil and to 7 close a circuit from the trolley to a part or" the said circuit which includes the low resistance coil and ground for the system, said means maintained in its operated condition by the energization of said low resistance coil to retain the last mentioned circuit connected to trolley, and other means operated bythe energization of the said low resistance coil to open the said circuit from the trolley a predetermined time after initial energization of said coils.

17. In a switch operating system, the combination of a pan, a trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch movable in different directions, an electrically operated switch to control the movement of the said track switch, circuits connecting the various parts to operate the said track switch to its proper position when the pan is engaged by a current collector with power on or power off, one of the circuits being a path from the pan to the second said switch and having included therein a high resistance relay coil and a low resistance relay coil, means operated by the energization of said coils to shunt said high resistance coil and to close a circuit from the trolley to a part of the said circuit which includes the low resistance coil and ground for the system, said means maintained operated by the energization of said low resistance coil to retain the last'mentioned circuit connected to trolley, and other means directly operated by the energization of the said low resistance coil to open the said circuit from the trolley a predetermined time after initial energization of said high resistance coil, and means effective to re-establish energization of the said high resistance coil when the said other means is operated, and only when the current collector remains in engagement with said pan, to retain the said other means operated.

18. In a track switch operating system, the combination of an electrically operated track switch, a divided switch operating circuit, electrically operated means for selectively directing switch operating current in either branch of the said circuit to control the direction of move!- ment of said track switch in either of two directions, a source of power, a contact pan'to be engaged by a current collector and connections between the parts such that the system operates to connect the first mentioned means to the said source of power for establishing a flow of track switch operating current in one branch of the said circuit'to effect an operation of the track switch to one of its positions when the collector engages the pan with power off and for establishing a flow of operating current in another branch of the circuit to effect an operation of the said switch to another position when the collector engages the pan with power on, and electrically operated means responsive to the se lective flow of the track switch operating current to compel the first said means to maintain current directed in the selected branch of the switch operating circuit as determined by the initial engagement of the current collector and contact pan.

19. In a track switch operating system, the

combination of an electrically operated track.

switch, a divided switch operating circuit, electrically operated means for selectively directing switch operating current in either branch of the said circuit to control the direction of movement of said track switch in either of two directions, a source of power, a contact pan to be engaged by a current collector and connections between the parts such that the system operates to connect the first mentioned means to the said source of power for establishing a flow of track switch operating current in one branch of the said circuit to efiect an operation of the track switch to one of its positions when the collector engages the pan with power 0 and for establishing a flow of operating current in another branch of the circuit to efiect an operation of the said switch to another position when the collector engages the pan with power on, electrically operated means responsive to the selective flow of track switch operating current to compel the first said means to maintain current directed in the selected branch of the said switch operating circuit as determined by the initial engagement of the current collector and contact pan, and means automatically operable to disconnect the first mentioned means from the source of power to interrupt the flow of switch operating current and to prevent further operation of the track switch as long as the current collector continues to engage the said pan.

20. In a switch operating system, the combination of a contact pan, a trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch movable to difierent positions when the pan is engaged by a cur,- rent collector with power on or power off, a divided switch operating circuit, a normally open switch for connecting the trolley wire and said switch circuit, said switch operating circuit having one of its branches normally connected to the track switch and the other branch normally disconnected, electrically operated means for alternating the connections and disconnections or" the branches with the said normally open switch and track switch, a holding coil mounted on the electrically operated means and connected in series with the normally disconnected branch circuit to hold the branch circuit closed when the collector engages the pan with power on, another holding coil mounted on the said electrically operated means and con nected in series with the normally connected branch circuit to hold the branch circuit closed when the collector engages the pan with power off, means controlling the said normally open switch to connect the said divided circuit to trolley when the collector engages the said pan, and means controlling the circuit from the trolley to the said normally open switch to disconnect the said divided circuit from the trolley after a predetermined time after the collector engages the pan and thereby de-energize the holding coil included in the previouslyselectively connected branch circuit.

21. In a switch operating system, the combination of a pan, a trolley wire, an electrically operated track switch movable to different positions when the pan is engaged by a current collector with power on or power off, a divided switch operating circuit, a normally open switch for connecting the trolley wire and said switch circuit, said switch operating circuit having one of its branches normally connected to the track switch and the other branch normally disconnected, electrically operated means for alternating the connections and disconnections of the branches with the said normally open switch and track switch, a holding coil mounted on the electrically operated means and connected in series with the normally disconnected branch circuit to hold the branch circuit closed when the collector engages the pan with power on, another holding coil mounted on the said electrically operated means and connected in series with the normally connected branch circuit to hold the branch circuit closed when the collector engages the pan with power off, means controlling the said normally open switch to connect the said divided circuit to trolley when the collector en gages the said pan, and means controlling the circuit from the trolley to the said normally open switch to disconnect the said divided circuit from the trolley after a predetermined time after the collector engages the pan and thereby de-energize the holding coil included in the previously selectively connected branch circuit, and means compelling the said means-controlling the circuit to maintain the said divided circuit disconnected from the trolley until the collector has disengaged the said pan.

22. In a switch operating system, the combination of an electrically operated track switch, a track switch operating circuit, a selector switch for positioning said track switch, a holding coil mounted on the normally engaged contact of the said selector switch, and means operating to energize said holding coil to hold said selector switch in a normal condition and to render it inoperative with power first ofi and then applied to the car motors.

23. In a switch operating system, the combination of an electrically operated track switch, a divided track switch operating circuit, a selec. tor switch for positioning the said track switch having a normally disengaged front contact connecting one of the branches of said divided switch operating circuit and a normally engaged back contact connecting the other branch of said divided switch operating circuit, a holding coil mounted on each contact of the said selector switch and connected in series with the branch circuit connecting the respective contact, and.

means operating to energize the holding coil selectively included in the switch operating circuit to hold the said selector switch in engagement with its selectively engaged contact as long as operating current flows in the said switch operating circuit.

24. In a switch operating system the combination of an electrically operated track switch, a track switch operating circuit, a selector switch for directing current in the said circuit to position the said track switch, a normally open front contact and a normally closed back contact for the said selector switch, a holding coil mounted on the said front contact and a holding coil mounted on the said back contact, and means operating to selectively energize the said holding coils to retain the selector switch operating circuit in a selected condition whenever the system is in use to establish a flow of current in the said track switch.

25. In a switch operating system the combination of an electrically operated track switch, a track switch operating circuit, a selector switch for directing current in the said circuit to position the said track switch, a normally open front contact and a normally closed back contact for the said selective switch, a holding coil mounted on the said front contact and a holding coil mounted on the said back contact, and means operating to selectively energize the said holding coils for a predetermined time to retain the selector switch in a selected condition whenever the system is in use to direct a flow of current 15 in the said switch operating circuit.

SAMUEL S. STOLP. FRANK H. RICHTERKESSING. 

